Voters are starting to get excited for the November elections-- things are building quickly here in Virginia, and we have an incredibly competitive gubernatorial race going on. But sandwiched between now and November is a special election right here in Northern Virginia. If the Republicans had their way, you’d blink and miss it.
My name is Karen Keys-Gamarra, and I’m proud to be the Democratic-endorsed candidate for the at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board in the special election on August 29th. I’m a guardian ad litem, and as part of my work, I’ve pushed to improve the lives of children, especially those who are at-risk or abused. I serve on the Fairfax County Planning Commission on the Schools Committee, and I’ve worked extensively with local officials.
We need to protect our school system from the reckless policies being proposed by Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos. This includes fighting against cutting funds for after-school programs, retaining our exceptional teachers through making wages competitive with surrounding school districts, and enacting policies to discourage bullying and embrace an increasingly diverse population.
This election was intentionally orchestrated by our Republican opposition. Incumbent Jeanette Hough, who was endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee, resigned unexpectedly on May 31 in order to force this special election. Had she waited until June 10 to resign, the election would have been held with the others in November. Instead, this political maneuver will cost taxpayers over $250,000.
The republicans know that fewer people turn out to vote in special elections, and are counting on our Democratic voters being distracted in the summer months. We have to stand up and say “No!” This election is a bellwether for the November elections, and can help setup the stage for a Democratic takeover of Virginia in November 2017. The Republicans are calling this an election to hold their “Scalia Seat”-- let’s not let them win.
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter, and take a look at my website to find out more about me. And chip in $5 or $10 to a candidate who's standing up for diversity in our school system!
Karen Keys-Gamarra
Fairfax County: At-Large School Board Special Election
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